From London to New York

Every time I go I am not quite sure whether I want to cry, scream or dance on the spot. You see New York for me is special. Many people ask me why I love it so much and I find it difficult each time to explain, but here goes. Have you ever been to a place where you feel alive? Where you can do the simplest of things like have a bagel and cawfee in a park but want to pinch yourself? Where you feel and believe that absolutely anything in life is possible, you feel inspired, feel ambitious? A place where you never feel alone, people are friendly and will always speak their mind whether it be good or bad, but they still speak to you. These are just a few of the emotions and the excited physical jolt in the stomach that I get every time I am there. Being happy is extremely important to me and New York may not be for everyone, I mean not everyone may feel this way about a place, but I do and it makes me happy.

We planned the trip without cramming too much in considering it was only three days. OMG it’s just hit me again that I was actually there just a few days ago. Sorry I digress…just that awesome feeling of being immersed in my Promised Land is always a squeal moment. The smell of hot dawwgs in the street, the crazy street shows which I always seem to get dragged into (I must have one of those faces), that Sex and The City feel, being in the middle of a giant movie set and then Fifth Ave…

It’s a crime to go to New York and not take an empty suitcase for hours of shopping so that was high on the agenda, as was eating my body weight in the huge portions of naughtiness. But who cares…it’s New York!

As you will all know by now I am a foodie, I love smelling it, eating it and taking pictures of it! The diners, the hidden gems, the posh where I can wear my Louboutin’s restaurants…all have their own sex appeal and I highly recommend Tribeca Grill, co-owned by oscar winner Robert De Niro. Tribeca is fast becoming one of the upcoming neighbourhoods in New York becoming a desired location for homeowners and restaurants alike. It has a Soho feel, classy with many original brick buildings, definitely a must visit.

The restaurant is homey, warm and inviting. Our Somelier Daniel was extremely helpful, he spent time recommending wines to match our palates and even gave us a mini lesson on the background to some regions and the types of wine it produces. If you are looking for an intimate personalised experience, this is the place for you.

The trip wasn’t complete without a visit to a diner, these are the heart of the city. Pots of endless coffee and pancake towers to fuel you with ample shopping energy so it’s impossible to pass by without nipping in for a kick start to the day.

One of the most famous diners is Ellen’s Stardust situated close by to Times Square, there is always a queue which isn’t great when it’s bitterly cold but let me tell you it is worth the wait! What makes it so special? It is super retro, it has singing wait staff, it’s a launch pad for many a star and last year alone 17 of the staff had gone onwards and upwards to Broadway. We enjoyed dinner singing to many musical hits, who’d have thought I could remember so many words to Grease and Frozen!

Ellen’s Stardust Diner: 1650 Broadway, NY10019

I am fascinated by Times Square, it really never sleeps. You don’t need a map to find it by night fall, just look out for the concentrated lit up area, big time! At all hours of the night there is so much happening, it’s lively and captivating. There are talented street artists creating skyline pictures with just spray cans, cartoon images of passers-by, camaraderie from builders working through the night and people expressing their political views in new and unusual ways. It is never boring that’s for sure.

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, “Louise, we need a cocktail. Grab your rental” we headed off to one of New York’s swankiest bars, Employees Only which is on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2016 list. Although I wasn’t with Louise nor did we have a rental but cocktails were in order.

Employees Only: 510 Hudson Street between Christopher & West 10th

I had been to Employees Only, Singapore, their second bar which opened in recent months. Two of the New York bartenders helped to implement the same look and feel as New York with an art deco, dimly lit jazz style. The bar was packed but we luckily found a seat at the bar and watched the cocktail creations begin.

The final item on the agenda was a major charity concert in Brooklyn, a four and a half hour benefit event for the Robin Hood Foundation (education based initiative) called TIDAL X. The acts included Beyonce, Robin Thicke, Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj amongst many others. TIDAL is a music streaming service launched by Jay Z and is explained to be the first music streaming service run by artists, for artists, and with the support of all artists.

The concert itself got you out of your seat but you could tell this was their second annual event so hopefully the stage changes and introduction of all acts might run more smoothly next year. Nonetheless it’s a great concert to attend if you ever get the chance to go.

Considering this really was a short trip, a lot of steps were covered and calories were consumed but I enjoyed every second. It really is a special place, extremely friendly and considering it’s busy, it was relaxing and just knowing I was in New York for me was enough. There were many moments where I was overwhelmed and the glassy eyes appeared but that’s just part of the magic for me.

My memories from this trip are very special, ones which will last a lifetime. I was extremely sad to leave as usual but New York…I’ll be back.

Nicci when I went to New York the first time 10 tears ago I loved it too and thought it was one place in the world I could live happily. I went again a couple of years ago and I’m sure I went to Tribeca Grill and had some sort if Shepherd’s Pie which was delicious. Also loved a place called Pigalle off Times Square that served typical New York breakfasts Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon was my favourite with as much ‘cawfee’ as you can drink. Love hearing your stories and so excited for you xxxx

Hi, I’m Nicci – writer and founder of niccimcshane.com. My lifestyle blog journey began as an expat in 2016 looking for methods of self improvement through confidence, inner peace and independence. Follow me as I continue to share experiences on how to love ourselves and to not just exist, but live.